Interviews with Charm Tong

Burma is comprised of various very diverse ethnic groups that form the Union of Burma today. And before that, before Burma gained independence, Shan State was ruled by the different principalities. And together, before Burma gained independence, like other different ethnic groups we formed a Union of Burma. And Shan state is located in eastern part of Burma.

And because of the unjust situation and the human rights violation and the oppression against the people, there was the movement to fight for freedom and human rights and democracy in Shan State as well like in different parts of Burma. So we can say that this is the movement, different movements for human rights and democracy in Burma.

Interviewed August 2010

Charm Tong co-founded the Shan Women’s Action Network, when she was only 17. The organization is dedicated to stopping the exploitation of and violence against women and children in 1999.

Three years later, recognizing that their lack of education leaves the Shan young people more vulnerable to being trafficked or lured into other forms of exploitation, Tong founded the School for Shan State Nationalities Youth. The school works to empower and build the capacity of students to become leaders in their communities. It is regarded as a model for human rights education and training of young people from Burma and elsewhere.

Tong has also been instrumental in launching a campaign to bring attention to the systematic use of rape of Shan women by the Burmese military. The campaign, based on a report called “License to Rape,” has received considerable international attention.

Tong has received several international awards, including the Marie Claire Women of the Year Award and the Reebok Human Rights Award. In October 2005, she met at the White House with President George W. Bush.